Acid redux

Pepcid helps a lot, but takes about 45 minutes to be effective. The OTC version is 1/2 the strength of the prescription. Do the math and take two. Non steroidal anti inflamatories (ibuprufin) aggravate the condition, as do coffee and spicy foods.

I learned about the condition while taking a combination pain killer/muscle relaxant. Muscle relaxants can bring on acid reflux in the heartiest digestive system.

Drinking milk would probably be more help than drinking water. There are some very effective prescription drugs available - I use one with the brandname Zantac and one tablet a day has ended what was a chronic problem.

Or you can use regular baking soda, about one spoonful in a short glass of water.

It'll make you belch, but Oh, what a relief it is!

I'll also use the milk method, a lot tastier.

Does nonfat milk and/or soy milk work? I'm gonna try that baking soda next time. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. While searching the web on acid redux, I read an article that says chewing gum will reduce acid redux, so I went out and bought a 10 pack sugarless gum.

Just don't confuse baking powder and baking soda. :wink:

Thanks roger. That's so easy to confuse!

acid REFLUX- Do not lie down for at least an hour after you have eaten. You need gravity to move the food thru the digestive system.

Also- Put 4 inch blocks at the head of your bed, so that the bed tilts at a slightly downward angle. That'll help to move things along.

Prilosec OTC is the same stuff as the 20mg. Prilosec that used to be by prescription only. I used to buy it for my mother at over 3 bucks a pop. I now get it in Sam's in a carton of 42 for about fifty cents apiece. Unlike some of the other medications, Prilosec works in the upper part of the digestive system, which is what you need for reflux.

Thanks, Rog. I never knew that!

roger, I just asked my wife if we had baking powder, and she said she threw it out because we don't use it. She asked why I was asking about it, so I told her. This is what she said. She had a patient at her clinic one day that ate too much strawberries, and had an upset stomach, so she took baking powder to relieve the bloated feeling she had. What happened was, her stomach exploded! So her warning was, don't take baking powder without understanding why you're using it and how much.

Phoenix, I bought the 14 tab Prilosex the following day, but didn't start using it because the package says it sometimes takes up to four days to take effect. I want something that will give immediate relief, so I'm more prone to the other solutions before I start taking pills for it. I also read that elevating your head when sleeping will help with acid reflux, but I like to start my sleep in the fetal position. I like the idea of not lieing down for an hour after eating. I think I ate a banana that night before going to sleep when I had that episode.

What you want to take is baking SODA, not baking POWDER.

As the baking SODA interacts with the acid in your stomach, they break down and form other substances, one of them is carbon dioxide.

You'll feel the CO2 form in your stomach immediately after taking the baking SODA. Don't stifle your belches. Let the gas come right out. The lady who exploded probably stifled her burps.

The lady who had her stomach "explode" took baking powder, no?

I think baking soda and baking powder are both bread leaveners, but that they react differently - not sure though.

I think that baking soda is a base (-) that reacts (combines) with acid (+) to form a neutral salt, thus neutralizing the acid. Baking powder may be the one that forms CO2....

but I'm not sure of all this. Let's all wait for a chemist to show up...

I'm gonna stay away from baking powder and baking soda. It's too easy to confuse, and with my failing brain.......

Re: Acid redux


I would sleep with my head elevated on the pillows and probably drink some alka-seltzer.

Since you said your chest was burning, I would question if you were having a mild heart attack.

Milk is a good idea, since milk tends to coat the lining of the stomach and protect it from the acid.

I saw Prilosec stacked up at my local Safeway on a display right in front of the bourbon on the alcohol aisle. Not to point fingers, as I have gotten a/r after too much alcohol, yet another reason I moderate there. Dunno, I think I tend to get it anyway, perhaps sloppy acting valves in general (I snore, fetchingly of course, which involves throat valve/ soft palate, I forget the names now. There's another valve between the stomach and esophagus, I think it's the pyloric...).

Gee, I would think I would have given those valves enough exercise over the years..

For baking soda, (the stuff you DO want) just think Arm & Hammer! That way ya can't go wrong.

Our doctor suggested I try Nexium 40 mg a few years ago, and it completely solved the problem. I'm told the Prilosec available over the counter is essentially the same thing, but at half the strength (20 mg).

Try a bite of cheese, mildly tasted, before going to bed. It is good for my mom, at least.

Could be working like the milk. Coats the walls of the gut to prevent acid burn.